DeepFest Highlights Women Driving Innovation in Tech

DeepFest recently showcased the vital contributions of women tech innovators, emphasizing their impact on the economy and the growth of the industry. This event was held alongside LEAP, Saudi Arabia’s major technology conference, where female industry leaders and entrepreneurs took the stage, advocating for gender equality within the sector.

Did you know?

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it will take 131 years to close the gender gap across all industries. Furthermore, only 28 percent of women feel confident managing long-term financial plans, compared to 44 percent of men.

Women and Financial Independence

One enlightening session called ‘Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Charge in Tech and AI’ featured Wafa Al Obaidat, founder and CEO of Playbook, a professional network for women in business that connects them with various business and investment opportunities. She shared her personal journey about overcoming her fear of finances and understanding how money can serve as a tool for growth and empowerment.

Interesting read: Tech to make Riyadh MENA music hub by 2030, says Grammy head at DeepFest

“When women achieve financial independence, families flourish, communities thrive, and entire economies grow,” Al Obaidat stated. “Companies perform better when women have access to capital and can invest, taking control of their financial futures. This issue extends beyond fairness; it is about smart economics and unlocking the full potential of a significant portion of the global population.”

She further discussed the systemic barriers that women entrepreneurs face in accessing funding opportunities, mentioning the gender investment gap and the small percentage of venture capital funds allocated to female-founded startups. “Playbook aims to tackle these challenges by offering a platform where women can connect, learn, and invest. We provide masterclasses, expert coaching, a startup marketplace featuring ventures led by women, and networking opportunities tailored for busy lives,” Al Obaidat explained.

Robots, Tech Couture, and AI Doctors: DeepFest 2025 to Showcase the Future in Riyadh

“It is truly inspiring to see so many successful women share their journeys, challenges, and successes on the DeepFest stage,” said Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf. “The shift in recognizing female tech leaders is much-needed, and the stories coming from this event underline the significance of collaboration, connections, and commitment.”

AI: Powering the Future of Entertainment

Another prominent speaker, Dr. Christina Yan Zhang, CEO of The Metaverse Institute, discussed how AI and brain-computer interfaces will shape the future of entertainment. In her session, she invited attendees to imagine a world devoid of phones or computers, where individuals interact through thought alone using brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).

Must read: DeepFest 2025 showcases Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions

“The future of entertainment, and indeed the human experience, will be seamlessly integrated with our minds,” Dr. Yan Zhang stated. “BCIs will take us beyond current medical applications like restoring mobility or repairing vision. They will serve as the ultimate user interface.”

She explored potential scenarios where this technology could alter our everyday lives, even referencing fictional examples like the Marvel universe, where humans and technology meld together. “Rather than presenting an existential threat, these advancements will empower us. Similar to Tony Stark using Jarvis in 'Ironman', future users will connect with an AI companion through non-invasive BCIs, enhancing abilities and connecting in unprecedented ways,” she added.

“We may no longer need phones or computers. This collaboration with AI via BCIs could revolutionize entertainment and significantly reduce the 62 billion kilograms of e-waste generated annually, offering a more sustainable future for everyone,” emphasized Dr. Yan Zhang.

innovation, technology, finance, equality, empowerment